Eintracht Frankfurt end home drought with narrow win over FC Koln

Eintracht Frankfurt secured their first Bundesliga home victory since March by beating FC Koln 1-0, ending a six-match winless run at Deutsche Bank Park. The result extended FC Koln’s sequence without an away win to 16 games, with six draws and 10 defeats.

Adi Hutter’s side began with an urgency that reflected their need to give the home supporters something to celebrate. The opening minutes were played at high speed, with Marius Bulter seeing an effort saved by Noah Atubolu inside the first minute.

Frankfurt continued to threaten and Marvin Schwabe was soon forced into action. He parried a shot from Younes Ebnoutalib before twice denying Fares Chaibi as the hosts pressed forward.

The visitors remained dangerous on the break and both teams maintained a direct approach. Atubolu produced another excellent save to keep out Bulter’s first-time effort after Borna Sosa had delivered a free-kick into the area.

Sebastian Sebulonsen came close to providing a spectacular moment when his looping right-footed attempt sailed over the crossbar. FC Koln also had opportunities, with Said El Mala making an impressive run from inside his own penalty area into Frankfurt territory before shooting wide of the far post.

The match remained finely balanced as half-time approached, with neither side able to find the decisive touch.

Frankfurt resumed on the front foot after the interval. Ebnoutalib had another chance, while Ritsu Doan posed a constant threat on the right. The Japan international sent a dangerous cross towards Lilian Brassier, whose header was pushed behind by Schwabe.

Doan then created an opening for Chaibi, but the midfielder’s header lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper from a promising position.

Brassier missed the target with a header from Chaibi’s corner, increasing the sense that Frankfurt might again be frustrated on their own ground. However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute.

Ebnoutalib finished clinically with his right foot, beating Schwabe at his near post after combining superbly with Noel Aseko-Nkili. The goal proved sufficient to settle a closely contested game in Frankfurt’s favour.

The victory offered Adi Hutter’s team hope that their difficult home run had come to an end. For FC Koln manager Rene Wagner, the challenge now is to find a way for his side to collect points away from home.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt).